Logan County Department of Public Health
Take appropriate precautions with wells after the floods
- Do not consume until water is tested
- Have wiring checked and pumps cleaned by a professional

 

[June 30, 2021] 

Due to recent weather conditions, many private wells have come into contact with floodwater. Floodwater may carry a variety of contaminants such as livestock waste, human sewage, chemicals, and other harmful substances which can pose a serious health threat by entering the water of your well. If your well has come into contact with flood water and you suspect your well may be contaminated, do not use the water for drinking, food preparation, bathing, washing dishes, brushing teeth and other related activities until after you have had the water tested.

After flood waters have receded and the wiring and the electrical components have dried, it is recommended that you have the wiring and mechanical components checked by a qualified electrician, well or pump contractor prior to using the well. Wet wiring and electrical equipment can pose a safety hazard and sediments from flooding can cause damage to valves and gears in the well pump. If pumps are not properly cleaned, lubricated, and serviced by a contractor, they can burn out.

In addition, flooded water wells should be pumped out, allowed to recharge naturally, disinfected, and tested prior to use for drinking, washing, and cooking. Disinfection instructions for your water well are available from Illinois Department of Public Health publications such as “After the Floods” and “Surviving Disasters: A Citizen’s Emergency Handbook” at www.idph.state.il.us/flood
info/.  You can also refer to the Logan County Department of Public Health website at WWW.LCDPH.ORG. 

If you would like to test your water to help determine if your well is free of harmful bacteria, the Logan County Department of Public Health offers test kits. To purchase your kit at a cost of $8.00, stop by the Logan County Department of Public Health, 109 3rd Street, Lincoln, IL during normal office hours of 7:30am-4:30pm Monday through Friday. For more information, you can contact the Logan County Department of Public Health at 217-735-2317.

 Information Source: IDPH, CDC, EPA

[Don Cavi, MS, LEHP
Public Health Administrator
Logan County Department of Public Health]\